Assessment of swallowing function after circumferential pharyngolaryngectomy. A multicenter study by the GETTEC group

Swallowing outcomes over time after total pharyngolaryngectomy and free flap reconstruction

BACKGROUND

One of the challenges after total pharyngolaryngectomy (TPL) is to restore the swallowing function. The aim of this study was to compare swallowing outcomes between patients who underwent reconstruction with jejunum free flap (JFF) and other free flaps (OFFs).

METHODS

This retrospective study included patients who underwent TPL and free flap reconstruction. The endpoints were the evolution of swallowing outcomes during the first five years after treatment assessed by the Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS), and outcomes associated with complications.

RESULTS

One hundred and eleven patients were included, 84 patients in the JFF group and 27 in the OFF group. The patients in the OFF group experienced more chronic pharyngostoma (p = 0.001) and pharyngoesophageal stricture (p = 0.008). During the first year, a lower FOIS score tended to be associated with OFF (p = 0.137), and this result remained stable over time.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that JFF reconstruction provides better swallowing outcomes than OFF reconstruction, stable over time.

Comparison of the outcomes of anterolateral thigh flap and peroneal flap in total laryngectomy reconstruction

Background

We usually use an ALT or peroneal flap in total laryngectomy reconstruction, depending on the surgeons' preference. No direct comparison of the outcomes of the ALT flap and peroneal flap exists.

Methods

From 2014 to 2022, we reviewed patients who had total laryngectomy and were reconstructed with an ALT flap and peroneal flap. Patient characteristics and surgical outcomes were collected and compared.

Results

The peroneal group had a significantly higher risk of neopharynx leakage (40% vs. 13.2%, p = .020) and late pharyngocutaneous fistula formation (30% vs. 5.3%, p = .009) than the ALT group. Peroneal flap was found to be the only independent risk factor for neopharynx leakage (p = .025, odds ratio [OR] = 5.5) and late pharyngocutaneous fistula formation (p = .02, OR = 7.7) in multivariate logistic regression.

Conclusion

In the reconstruction of total laryngectomy, the ALT flap is preferable over the peroneal flap.

Deltopectoral Flap Reconstruction of the Posterior Pharyngeal Wall: A Single Stage Pedicle Flap Alternative Solution to the Free Flap Reconstruction of Circumferential Laryngopharyngeal Defects

The first option for reconstruction of a circumferential pharyngeal defect following extensive pharyngo-laryngectomy is free tissue transfer. Despite that, pedicled flaps can be used when microsurgical expertise is not available or if other patient related or region related issues deem free tissue transfer unfavourable. The aim of this study was to review the operative feasibility and functional outcomes following dual flap reconstruction of circumferential pharyngeal defects.This was a retrospective study of all patients (n = 8) who underwent either primary (n = 5) or salvage (n = 3) circumferential laryngopharyngectomy + /– cervical oesophagectomy, followed by dual flap reconstruction, with a deltopectoral flap to reconstruct the posterior wall from 2005 to 2020. The main outcome measures were operative complications, hospital stay and functional outcomes (speech and swallowing). The operation was feasible in all patients, with dual flap reconstruction using a deltopectoral flap, combined with a pectoralis major flap (n = 5) or a supraclavicular flap (n = 3). All patients developed a small, lateralised, self-healing fistula at the site of the deltopectoral flap 3-point junction. This did not require any intervention, or impact on adjuvant treatment. Functional outcomes were favourable, with all patients achieving oral diet. One patient required gastrostomy diet supplementation, and one patient required stricture dilatation. Of the patients able to receive a speech valve (n = 4), all achieved intelligible speech. Dual flap reconstruction of circumferential pharyngeal defects represents a feasible alternative option for a complex reconstructive problem. The predictable operative recovery and favourable functional outcomes indicate that the use of both a deltopectoral flap and a second flap is a robust reconstructive solution.

Current opinions in otolaryngology and head and neck surgery: functional considerations in reconstruction after laryngectomy

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To review reconstruction techniques following total laryngectomy, partial laryngopharyngectomy, and total laryngopharyngectomy with an emphasis on long-term swallow and speech outcomes.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent literature has shown that the use of fasciocutaneous free flaps in the reconstruction of laryngectomy defects may lead to improved speech and swallow outcomes as compared with regional or free musculocutaneous flaps. Radial forearm and anterolateral thigh are the most often used fasciocutaneous free flaps, with similar speech and swallow outcomes. Primary closure with myofascial flap onlay yields similar speech and swallow results to fasciocutaneous flaps following laryngectomy that spares sufficient pharyngeal mucosa.

SUMMARY

Whenever reconstructing a salvage laryngectomy defect or a primary laryngectomy defect with mucosal deficiency, current evidence suggests that a fasciocutaneous free flap used to augment pharyngeal volume both improves fistula rates as well as long-term speech and swallow outcomes. When sufficient pharyngeal mucosa is present, myofascial onlay can be considered as well.

Closing of large pharyngostomes with free flaps and proposal of a new classification

PURPOSE

Large pharyngocutaneous fistulas or pharyngostomes are difficult complications to solve, which generate high morbidity and mortality, a poor quality of life and an increase in health costs. Its management must be comprehensive according to general, local and regional factors. We review our experience in treating these pharyngostomes with free flaps.

METHODS

Retrospective study analyzing the results of the reconstruction of 50 patients using free flaps during the period 1991-2019. We exclude patients who required free-flap reconstruction due to primary tumor or those who resolved in other ways. The different types of reconstruction were classified into three types.

RESULTS

The 86% (43) were men, and the mean age was 57 years (25-76). In 48% (24/50) the flaps performed were anterolateral thigh (ALT), in 24% (12/50) forearm, in 22% (11/50) parascapular, in 4% (2/50) jejunum and in 2% (1/50) ulnar. A salivary by-pass was placed in 74% (37/50) of the cases. Four cases (8%) presented flap necrosis and two patients died due to treatment. In 86% (43/50) there was some type of complication and 34% (17/50) required surgical revision. 94% (45/48) were able to reintroduce oral feeding.

CONCLUSION

According to our experience, we proposed a regardless size classification: type 1 when only a mucous closure (pharynx) are required (6%), type 2 exclusively skin for cutaneous coverage (10%) and mixed type 3 (mucous and skin) (84%). The treatment of large pharyngostomes with free flaps, despite its complexity, is in our experience the best option for its management.